Urban meadows

Creating and managing grassland with a range of different plant species is a brilliant way to improve biodiversity.

Grass verges which are rich in native wildflowers support more wildlife, are more resistant to environmental change, and enhance ecological connectivity by creating joined-up pollinator corridors. These corridors offer pollinators (like bees) nutrition and a habitat, as well as helping them move into other areas.

This approach also reduces the amount of management our roadside grass verges need. They do not need to be cut every two weeks - as we currently do - because longer grass helps pollinators.

What are we doing?

As part of our green action plan, we're:

• sowing 40,000m² of urban meadows on roadsides
• changing the way we cut grass to leave grass on verges long (where appropriate)
• using less herbicides, to support pollinators
• installing bee hives and tree hives as part of 'Buzz in Boro' programme

Why are we doing this?

We've pledged to become a leader on green issues. Planting urban meadows:

• supports declining pollinator species
• benefits wildlife
• makes more attractive and vibrant road verges and green spaces
• will help Middlesbrough to become a more biodiverse and sustainable town as part of our green action plan

How are we achieving our aim?

We're sowing urban flower and wildflower seeds in specific areas and on specific grass verges.

We're also allowing grass in green spaces and on verges to grow longer, flower, and seed. This allows the native seed base to regenerate and perpetuate. Some verges will be cut as normal every 2 to 4 weeks, others every 6 to 8 weeks, and others only once every year to allow grass and flowers to seed.

Who are we working with?

We're working with our partners Thirteen Housing Group who are doing the same on their own land.